Friday, 8 June 2012

Diplomacy in the Dug-Outs of Euro 2012

With Euro 2012 beginning, the off-pitch political posturing
now sees UK government ministers boycotting England’s group games in protest at
“selective justice” and “the rule of law” in Ukraine, the increasingly
controversial co-host of the tournament. The comments relate principally to the
case of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, jailed for seven years for
supposed abuse of office, a conviction the EU have condemned. Tymoshenko spent 20
days on hunger strike, and was tortured and beaten, according to her family. The
51 year old, who lost the disputed 2010 election, is one of several opposition politicians
to have been arrested in a move that is widely considered to be politically
motivated.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is certain to have
much more leg-room in his VIP box for the football than first thought. German
Chancellor Angel Merkel made her intentions clear last month, stating that
unless human rights improved in the country, she and her cabinet would stay
away. The French followed suit, as did the President of the European Commission
Jose Manuel Barroso. In fact, the British boycott is significantly less bold
than that of many neighbours, and late in coming. The official statement also
cites the “minister’s busy schedules” as a reason for non-attendance, hardly
the rhetoric of political hard-ball. In addition, only the group games are
mentioned. This may be in rueful recognition of previous doleful displays in
major competitions however. The possible lack of an English presence after the pool
matches may be more about performance than politics.

A Foreign Office spokesman has been quoted as saying that
potential ministerial attendance at the quarter final stage and beyond is being
kept “under review”. No doubt. If Roy Hodgson’s men manage the unimaginable,
and force their way into the final, it would present the Prime Minster with an
awkward diplomatic dilemma. No politician would wish to pass up the potential
of surfing some sport-induced patriotism, with all the photo opportunities that
provides. Yet abandoning the principals which prevented your previous
attendance means moral masochism, and an open goal for the opposition.

Added to this political hot potato are the not-unfounded fears
from travelling fans and footballers alike about racist abuse at the Euros,
coupled with concerns over potential strong-arm tactics from the patrols of
riot police being prepped for the occasion. Former Labour Sports Minister Gerry
Sutcliffe feels the British government boycott could further fuel anti-English
feeling amongst supporters at the tournament, whilst fans fear a backlash from Ukrainian
and Polish police.

All in all, the Prime Minister might be forgiven for privately
hoping the three Lions limp home with wounded pride and empty paws. Against the
backdrop of a back-firing budget, the post-match post-mortems might provide a
welcome distraction. Even the Coalition can’t be called to account for a lack
of midfield imagination and failure to capitalise on set-piece situations.

About Me

In my day job I edit and recycle the words of others, so this blog is a chance to play with some of my own. Thanks very much for visiting. If you liked some of what you have read, perhaps you would be kind enough to spread the word.